Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My posting has been a bit light lately for a bunch of reasons you don't care about, BUT I'm back today to share one of my favorite Halloween treats with you: graveyard pudding cups!

(all images: moi)

These are a family favorite-- my mom used to make them for school Halloween parties way back when and they were always a hit. I revived the tradition a few years ago when I made them for my husband, and he now insists on them every Halloween.

They are unbelievably simple to make so, this would be a perfect last-minute treat to whip together on or before Saturday.

You will need:

1 box of instant chocolate pudding mix

roughly 1/2 package of Oreo or chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Milano cookies

1 tube/pouch store bought decorating icing, in brown or black (feel free to use homemade icing if you wish, I'm just lazy :P)

Mallowcreme pumpkin candies (optional)

gummi worms (optional)

{makes about 4 large pudding cups}

First, prepare the pudding as directed, let set for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, arrange a few Milano cookies on a plate or other flat surface and use the icing to decorate your tombstones. I went with the classic 'RIP' but if you have a finer icing tip, get as creative as you want. Allow the icing time to set.

While the the icing is setting, gently mix about half of your crushed Oreos into the chocolate pudding. Line the bottom of your cups or dishes with gummi worms if you're using them, and then layer the pudding mixture on top. Do not fill completely as you'll need room for the "dirt".

Top the pudding with the remaining crushed cookie "dirt". Carefully add your Milano cookie tombstones and pumpkins as desired, and VIOLA!

These would be great for a Halloween party (you could put guests' names on the tombstones for extra fun) and its easy enough for little ones to make as well. My only suggestion would be that you do NOT make this too far in advance (I'd say a few hours before you plan to eat them, tops) otherwise the cookies loose their crunch and get all mushy.

I bet you could even put a twist on this and make it as classic trifle (using crumbled cake or toffee bits for the "dirt") and add a few whipped cream ghosts... next year!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Back today to share some loveliness from artist Geninne Zlatkis with you. The work in her amazing Etsy shop caught my eye ages ago and has been nestled safely in my favorites pages for at least a year. I'm thinkin' its finally time to make a purchase.

I'm a sucker for bird prints and watercolors, and Geninne takes them both to a whole new level. I especially love the white ink detailing-- and she even shows you how to achieve this look in her fabulous blog! I recently discovered this gem of a blog and I am totally impressed- so much wonderful stuff! Between her hand-carved stamp tutorials, how-to painting videos and glimpses of her gorgeous Mexican home and studio, I am completely inspired.

You bet your behind that I'm gonna try my hand at those stamps to create some amazing wrapping paper and personalized stationary this holiday season-- such great ideas! I highly suggest checking out her blog, shop and Flickr photostream if you're in the need of some inspiration.

I hope you can make time for some Halloween tricks and treats this weekend! Check out Martha Stewart's Halloween Central for all kinds of ideas - pumpkin carving designs, decorations, DIY costumes and themed recipes - and have a look at Etsy's Halloween gift guides for more spooky inspiration. (I think I'm going to make some Creepcakes next week-- so cute!)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

After a cold and rainy (but fun!) weekend in the Catskill Mountains, I'm on a sort of vintage-camping kick. So, I've rounded up some tried and true camping gear with lots of vintage goodies included. Let's dive right in, shall we?

First things first: you need the proper supplies. Camping is never enjoyable when you're cold, hungry and uncomfortable (as I have learned the hard way many many times).

*You need a place to rest your derriere after being on your feet all day. This retro folding camp chair by Trampoline would be perfect for just that and would travel with ease.

*You can't hit the trails on an empty stomach. Bring along a mess kit, like this vintage Boy Scout version by Thrill of the Hunt, for easy fireside cookin'. I love that it includes several pieces that all neatly store together, so packing is a snap.

*Of course, you're going to need plenty of water as well. Bring some along in a kitchy old school tank thermos like this beauty from Happy-Go-Vintage. Its a necessity so it may as well be cute, right?

*If the weather is nicer than it was on my camping trip, you may want to have lunch right in the midst of nature's beauty. What better way to do that than with a a cozy picnic blanket like this one by Sewn Natural. The great thing about this particular blanket is that the fabrics are all natural and it comes with a button strap for easy transporting.

Next: you're gonna need some warm and layer-able duds for the occasion, especially if you're camping this fall season.

*You can't go wrong with a cute woodland t-shirt, especially when its this organic cottage lovely by MaryInk. It would be perfect to wear on a day hike and good for layering under sweatshirts for warmth when the sun starts to set.

*Speaking of warmth, one of the easiest ways to keep warm is to cover your noggin with something thick and cozy, a la this woolly helm hood/neck guard by Knittles. Great for keeping your neck nice 'n toasty, or for protecting your whole melon from cool autumn nights.

Finally: you want to fully enjoy and remember your camping experiences with style!

*Want to take a closer look at that goldfinch? Bring some pocket binoculars like this 40's-era red leather pair from King Dog Vintage. Extremely portable and oh-so-fabulous.

*Are you sure that's a goldfinch? Tote along a field guide or two, as in this vintage field guide set by Bettyninja Finds, to get acquainted with your natural surroundings.

*Now that you know what you're looking at, you'll want to snap some photos with this nifty vintage Semi-Leotax camera from Canemah Studios. Just the thing for a camping scrapbook with an old-fashioned touch.

*You'll want to chronicle your outdoor adventures and maybe sketch a few forest dwellers in a beautiful letterpress journal, like this one from Old School Stationers. Perhaps you could jot a note to a friend in one of their retro camping themed cards, too. (I *love* this one!)

Well, there you have it. Just looking over it all, I'm itching to go camping again...

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Inspired by Ashley's Halloween movie marathon this month, we've been trying to watch at least one horror movie a night. My husband got me into horror flicks when we first started dating (we saw Red Dragon on our first date) and I've been hooked ever since. So this was basically an excuse for us to beef up our ever growing collection of horror films and re-watch our faves for the billionth time.

In honor of our camping trip to upstate New York this weekend, I've compiled a scary movie round-up themed around our travels, just 'cause I'm nerdy like that. Without further ado...

*Friday the 13th, Part III (1982). Chris, Debbie and the gang are just looking to do some relaxing at the famed Crystal Lake and move past Chris' encounter with some disfigured freak in the woods there a few years earlier. Hilarity ensues when they all end up eating weed thinking they're being pulled over en route to the cabin, and when our friend Shelley has an unpleasant exchange with the local biker gang (which, by the way, has the best gang member names EVER). But alas, the disfigured freak returns and it is, of course, Jason Vorhees seeking his murderous revenge.

This is definitely one of my favorites in the Friday the 13th series and always good for an unintended laugh but, what makes this movie truly great is the amazing disco theme music. Now THAT'S something I can shake my ass to!

A promoter of green living, Leatherface finds alternative uses for his power tools.

*the Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). Sally and her brother Franklin, along with some friends, are taking a road trip to check out their grandparent's graves and their family's old homestead out in the boondocks. Not long after they start poking around the old place do they run into the cannibalistic arts 'n crafts projects of Leatherface-- so named for his mask made up of his victims' faces (rustic sewing + upcycled material = tre chic!). Sally ends up the lone survivor of this road trip from hell but, not before she can meet the other members of Leatherface's wonderful family while they feast on her friends.

This movie never fails to creep me out. There's just something about meat hooks and yellowed 70's films that is naturally eerie. I also like the 2003 remake but, mostly because Gunny is in it.

Left: Ash gets a helping hand, Right: Pre-CGI Raimi special effects.

*the Evil Dead (1981). Ash, Scotty and the girls head to a rural cabin for a weekend of fun when they unwillingly discover the illustrious Book of the Dead among their cabin's contents. After playing a recording of demonic chanting from the book, they awaken the so-called Evil Dead and its all downhill from there. Poor Cheryl is sexually assaulted by woodland vegetation and one by one the group of friends becomes possessed by the spirits they have reanimated. Ash emerges the lone survivor and goes on to star in some hilarious, if not random, sequels.

This Sam Raimi classic is near and dear to my heart, not just because of the crude special effects but, the pure creativity. I mean, how many other movies have a tree rape scene in them? Brilliant.

The Fuller fam and Seth Gecko whoop some vampire ass.

*From Dusk 'Til Dawn (1996). Ex-minister Jacob is RVing in Texas with his two teens when they cross paths with the criminal fugitive Gecko brothers at a motel, and are taken hostage. The two parties cooperate and successfully cross the Mexican border, only to end up at a grungy strip club-- run by vampires. They join forces to battle against the undead but, only two of them survive the night.

This is one of my favorite movies period, which surprises even me because it has George Clooney AND vampires in it, and it doesn't suck! But with a cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo, how can you go wrong?

Well, I hope you enjoyed my round-up! And I also hope that we don't run into any tool-wielding psychotics, sexually predaceous trees or vampire tramps during our weekend.... but, hey, you never know at Harvest Fest.

Do have a fabulous weekend! {And do something fun on Monday if you're lucky enough to get the day off!}

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

I'm not sure about where you live but, 'round here the trees are finally turning all brilliant shades of gold, orange, scarlet and rusty red. It makes my early morning commute a real treat for the eyes, and the unpredictable New England weather worth the inconvenience.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Hey there darlin'! Just checkin' in to say Welcome October and Happy Friday!

I've got lots of fun stuff going on this month that I can't wait to share with you BUT, I wanted to present some beautiful images to you today to really get you in the mood!

Photo Credit: Mary Swenson.

These gorgeous images are by photographer Mary Swenson via her pretty good blog. Its one of my favorites, not only because she hails from my home state and her work is divine but, its an essentially text-free blog-- she just adds little bits of commentary or recipes in lovely fonts right onto her photos. Clever, no?

about me

Amateur foodie, guerilla crafter, and general geek.
Forked is just a space for my own musings on food, culinary experimentation and the occasional craft.
Thanks for stopping by my little piece of Blogland!